Solar term | Minor Cold

Minor Cold

Minor Cold, or “Xiaohan” in Chinese, is the 23rd of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar. For most areas of China, Minor Cold marks the beginning of the coldest period of the year. Its first day usually falls between January 5 and 6 on the solar calendar. With each solar term, there comes a corresponding set of related customs, outlined as follows.

In Nanjing City, people like cooking rice with vegetables by mixing green vegetables, sausages and rashers with rice, which smells and tastes no less appetizing than the Laba congee.

In South China’s Guangdong Province, residents traditionally eat sticky rice, which is usually mixed with sausage, meat and peanuts to add flavors and keep the rice from being too sticky.

Preparation for

the Spring Festival

After the Minor Cold, Chinese people start to write the Spring Festival couplets, and purchase New Year’s paintings and colored lights to prepare for the Spring Festival.

Farming

Regarding farming, most places in North China have entered the winter break. The main task is to prepare for the coming year's farming. In the past, cattle and horses were the chief labor of the family and required special care. Since Minor Cold marks the beginning of the coldest period, more attention should be paid to the warmth of such livestock.